United States of
America40 mm Mark 19 Grenade
MGUpdated 22 December 2006

Automatic grenade launcher developed
by the Navy for Riverine Craft and used today mainly as a close-in weapon
against small boats.

Quoting from FM 3-22.27: "Although
the MK 19 is a recent entry into the Army’s inventory, development began
in 1963. The first version was a hand-cranked, multiple grenade launcher
called the MK 18. In 1966 the need for more firepower inspired the
development of a self-powered 40-mm machine gun called the MK 19, MOD 0.
This model was neither reliable nor safe enough for use as a military weapon
system. Product improvements begun in 1971 resulted in the 1972 MOD
1, of which only six were produced. The MOD 1 performed effectively
in Navy riverine patrol craft and broader applications for the MK 19 were
found. In 1973 the Navy developed the MOD 2, which featured improved
reliability, safety, and maintainability. In 1976 a complete redesign
resulted in the MK 19, MOD 3, which the Army adopted in 1983. The
Army now uses the MK 19 within the tactical environment for defense, retrograde,
patrolling, rear area security, urban operations, and special operations."